What the data show about the state of immigration in Canada since cuts were announced
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According to Statistics Canada data, the overall population reached 41,528,680 on Jan. 1, 2025, up from 41,465,298 on Oct. 1, 2024, an increase of 63,382, the report states. 'By contrast, the population increase between the two previous quarters was 176,699. Immigration level reductions played a critical role in the outcome,' the report states.
While the number of new permanent residents in a single quarter declined by 15 per cent, when comparing the first quarter of 2024 to the first quarter of 2025, the largest reduction in newcomers was attributed to temporary residents who came via the International Mobility Program (IMP). The program allows companies to hire temporary foreign workers without the usual Labour Market Impact Assessment. The IMP includes the post-graduate work permits granted to international students, the International Experience Canada stream for workers aged 18 to 35, free trade agreements, company transfers and permits for high-demand occupations, such as software engineers, among other programs.
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